An improved digital capacitive isolation barrier system is provided that is suitable
for use in a telephone or modem where the locally powered circuits must be effectively
isolated from the public telephone system, while permitting data transfer across
the barrier. In particular, an automatic ADC offset calibration system is provided
for determining the magnitude of the ADC offset signal required in the system during
a calibration operation, and for providing the calibrated ADC offset signal during
normal operation of the isolation barrier system. A modified hybrid circuit is
provided for isolating the system input from the telephone line during calibration,
and for completing the calibration loop. Fixed bias signals are also provided for
the ADC and for a DAC in the system. In a preferred embodiment, the ADC is located
on the isolated side of the isolation barrier, while the integrator and register
that determine and hold the offset signal are located on the powered side of the
isolation barrier.